10 Days in South Africa - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari

This ultimate 10-day South Africa adventure is perfect for first-time visitors seeking an immersive experience filled with moments of luxury. In Cape Town, hop between decadent restaurants, a penguin-filled beach, and heartwarming community projects. Then, sip your way through Cape Winelands before conquering the superb Garden Route and zipping through the Eastern Cape Game Reserve. Additionally, from the moment this trip starts to the moment it wraps up, you can look forward to being spoiled with lavish accommodations, decadent meals, and private transfers.

Welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins with three days in Cape Town, the first of which you'll spend being spoiled at your accommodation, the 4-star Camissa House. Then, pick up the pace over the following days to fit in an excursion to the penguin-filled Boulders Beach, a visit to the nonprofit Uthando (Love), and a sunset sailing experience. Afterward, transfer to Cape Winelands, where you'll pause to sip wine, roam vineyards, and overnight at the opulent La Cotte before continuing to Hermanus. Upon arrival, another lovely afternoon of wine tasting awaits, this time in the rolling Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

From Hermanus, join your private driver for a scenic trip along the famed Garden Route to Knysna. This lovely waterfront town is an excellent spot to post up for two days and check out quaint shops, relax at nearby Plettenberg Bay, and cruise along the Knysna River onboard a luxury catamaran. Yet, there's more South Africa to take in, and your next and final destination, Shamwari Private Game Reserve, promises to end your trip in style. Your home here will be the Sindile Safari Lodge, and besides boasting impressive amenities, it's also located ideally to conquer numerous game drives. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury South Africa Food, Wine & Safari Adventure

In addition to its wildlife-filled national parks, South Africa is brimming with highly-rated restaurants and serene wineries, and this well-rounded luxury tour introduces you to the finest of them. Ideal for travelers seeking a slower-paced trip, you can look forward to extended stays in Cape Town, Cape Winelands, the Timbavati Game Reserve, and Johannesburg. In each destination, tick off unique experiences, including a winemaker workshop, horseback and e-bike rides amid vineyards, and game drives in search of Big Five animals.

Straight off the plane in Cape Town, your adventure gets off to a fine start with a 14-course dinner and show at Gold, a scenic cable car ride up Table Mountain, and a guided food and city tour. In between, pause to refresh at the peaceful Camissa House, then wrap up your time in Cape Town with a delightful Western Cape wildlife-watching experience. Next, transfer to Cape Winelands and horseback ride between idyllic vineyards before settling in at the 4-star Oude Werf Hotel. After a rejuvenating evening, you'll be ready to tackle a full-day e-bike ride, followed by a winemaking workshop.

The second leg of your journey kicks off with a transfer to Timbavati Game Reserve, where you'll drop your bags at the Walkers Plains bush camp and head out to experience your first game drive. Spot wildcats, leopards, and honey badgers, then seek out more majestic Big Five animals the following day during two additional 4WD safari tours. With your wildlife-fix filled, bid farewell to the savanna and fly to Johannesburg. Over three days here, you'll have unhurried time to cycle around Soweto, tour the Cradle of Humankind, and dine at the city's finest restaurants before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari & Beach Luxury in South Africa

Escape to eastern South Africa's expansive savanna and stunning coastline with this relaxed safari and beach itinerary. Four-day stays in both Hluhluwe Game Reserve and Thonga Beach Lodge make this trip perfect for those who prefer exploring off-the-beaten-path without skimping on creature comforts, especially as your accommodations are brimming with lavish amenities. Throughout, you'll spot an abundance of safari animals, spend a day in a Zulu village, and enjoy uninterrupted time to kayak, snorkel, hike, and relax within iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Your off-the-beaten-path journey begins in Johannesburg, where you'll venture to the site of Nelson Mandela's former home for dinner at Sanctuary Mandela. Then, return to the airport for a flight to Durban, followed by a 4WD ride into Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Your accommodation here is Rhino Ridge, and beyond its superb amenities, you'll also find its privileged locations make it effortless to seek out impressive wildlife. Over two full days of game drives, spot giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and more before wrapping up your stay in Hluhluwe with an overnight cultural exchange experience. 

Next on your itinerary is a transfer to Thonga Beach Lodge—a lavish tropical beach resort tucked within iSimangaliso Wetland Park. With four days based here, there's plenty of time to explore your idyllic surroundings, so feel free to spend your first evening lazing. Then, tick off activities at your leisure, which can include boating, kayaking, hiking, and diving. Waking up fully rejuvenated on your final day certainly makes leaving hard, but with a flight back to Johannesburg and time to roam the Apartheid Museum on your itinerary, you'll leave feeling well-introduced to South Africa's many wonders. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury South Africa Safaris & Beyond: Kruger, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls

Featuring the renowned landscapes of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, this multicountry African safari is ideal for travelers seeking an action-packed itinerary. And with private transfers, lavish wilderness camps, and guide-led excursions, all you're tasked with doing is enjoying each day's adventures. Admire Victoria Falls from a helicopter, glide down the Okavango Delta on a traditional canoe, and enjoy sundowners overlooking endless plains.

Your fast-paced trip begins with an overnight in Johannesburg, which gives you time to explore Soweto and unwind at the Peech Boutique Hotel before flying to Kruger National Park. Your home here is Walkers Plains, a family-owned bush camp, and after getting acquainted with its lavish amenities, you'll set off on your first game drive. Another two 4WD safaris are on your agenda the following day, which ensures you'll have plenty of opportunity to spot lions, elephants, leopards, and more. Afterward, transfer by plane to the Okavango Delta in Botswana and check into Camp Okavango. 

There's absolutely no shortage of impressive wildlife within the Okavango Delta, and thanks to a 4WD game drive, canoe safari, and optional bush walk, you'll get to admire a large variety of them. Yet, just an hour's flight away awaits Chobe National Park, and with two days here, you'll have plenty more opportunities to amazing wildlife. Afterward, continue to the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls and take in your new surroundings during a memorable safari river cruise. Then, pack in a scenic helicopter ride and a Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve game drive before returning to Johannesburg. Learn more

More Great 10-Day South Africa Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Africa? Check out these other 10-day South Africa itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.